Naked Mole Rat – More Than Meets The Eye
The naked mole rat (*Heterocephalus glaber*), a fascinating rodent native to East Africa, has captivated researchers and animal enthusiasts alike due to its unique adaptations for survival in harsh underground environments. Typically measuring between 3 to 4 inches in length and weighing around 1.1 to 1.2 ounces, these remarkable creatures are characterized by their hairless, gray-pink skin and small eyes, which contribute to their poor eyesight. Despite their diminutive size, naked mole rats possess large teeth that are well-suited for digging and navigating their extensive tunnel systems, which can stretch up to three miles. Their burrowing lifestyle is predominantly found in the dry tropical grasslands of Somalia, Kenya, and southern Ethiopia, where they thrive in colonies that can range from 20 to 200 individuals.
One of the most intriguing aspects of naked mole rat behavior is their complex social structure, which resembles that of bees or ants. Within each colony, a single queen and one to three breeding males are responsible for reproduction, while the remaining members serve as sterile workers. These workers are further divided into roles such as tunnel diggers, gatherers, and soldiers, showcasing a remarkable division of labor. The queen, known for her longevity—living up to 18 years—maintains a strict hierarchy, often displaying aggression towards other females. This social organization not only enhances the colony’s efficiency in foraging for food, primarily large underground tubers, but also ensures the survival of the species in an environment where resources can be scarce. Interestingly, naked mole rats have developed a unique feeding strategy that allows them to sustain their colonies; they consume the insides of tubers while leaving the outer parts intact, promoting regrowth for future foraging.
Beyond their intriguing social dynamics, naked mole rats are also gaining attention in the field of medical research, particularly in cancer studies. Remarkably, these rodents exhibit a natural resistance to cancer, which has sparked interest in understanding the biological mechanisms behind this phenomenon. As a species that thrives in challenging conditions, naked mole rats not only highlight the wonders of evolution but also offer valuable insights that could lead to breakthroughs in human health. While they are currently not threatened, their unique adaptations and social structures continue to inspire curiosity and research, making them a vital subject of study in both ecological and biomedical fields.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5DcOEzW1wA
The
naked mole rat
(
Heterocephalus glaber
) is a
rodent
, known for its burrowing and is indigenous to East Africa. The mole rat possesses a number of characteristics which allow it to survive in underground and harsh environments.
The average naked mole rat is between 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 centimeters) in length and weighs between 1.1 and 1.2 ounces (30 to 35 grams). They have small eyes, poor sight, and have legs that are quite short and thin. They are also able to move backward and forward at the same quick pace and have large teeth that allow them to dip. The term “naked” comes from the fact that they have very little hair and gray-pink skin.
The species is highly adapted to situations in which oxygen is limited within tunnels of their habitat. The lungs are small and their blood is greatly able to bond oxygen. They have very low metabolic and respiration rates. During periods of drought and hunger, the metabolic can decrease further to about 25% of its normal level.
The naked mole rat lives predominantly in the dry tropical grasslands in East Africa with large concentrations being concentrated in Somalia, Kenya, and southern Ethiopia. Groups of around 80 individual mole rats (although it can be as few as 20 and as many as 200) live within a complex burrowing system within the African desert. These tunnel systems can be quite long, between two to three miles in length.
There is a complex hierarchical structure where one queen and between 1 and 3 males reproduce, the other naked mole rats are workers and sterile. Dimorphism exists between the males, two forms of workers (tunnel digging/gathering and soldiers), and the breeding males. The breeding males and the queen can keep up their relationship for several years. The queens can live for a period of between 13 and 18 years and are quite hostile towards other females. Upon the death of the queen, another female will become queen in her place.
The naked mole rat mostly eats large tubers that they find underground during their mining exhibitions. However, they are also known for eating their own fecal matter. One tuber, depending upon its size, can feed a colony for several months or years as they only eat the inside of the tuber. They leave the outer parts so that the tuber is able to regenerate.
Naked mole rats are currently not a threatened species. Although their living conditions are tough, they are a widespread species.
Naked mole rats help in cancer research, because they never get cancer (
read here
).
